TANGUY NDOMBELE has revealed the impact Gareth Bale is having as Tottenham tap into his Champions League-winning mentality.
Bale has returned on loan to the club where he made his name before the £86million world transfer record move to Real Madrid in 2013.
Tanguy Ndombele reckons Gareth Bale’s return has had a positive impact on Tottenham Credit: EPA
On the pitch, Bale’s performances have not replicated the captivating form that saw him win several European honours, mainly because he is building up fitness after a knee injury.
Yet it is behind-the-scenes where he is having the most effect.
Ndombele said: “You can see he’s a really great guy and he’s certainly trying to speak with everybody.
Ndombele (left) believes Bale’s Real Madrid ‘experience’ is benefitting his new team-matesCredit: AP:Associated Press
“It has really helped for the team to have someone with his experience having played at Real Madrid and won four Champions Leagues like he has.”
Ndombele skipped the Europa League defeat to Royal Antwerp on Thursday as he was struggling with fatigue.
The Frenchman’s absence was keenly felt by boss Jose Mourinho who said the ex-Lyon midfielder “gives speed to the team” and can move the ball “quick and fast”.
No doubt he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for today’s clash at home to Brighton.
It completes a remarkable turnaround in fortune for the 23-year-old, whose future looked bleak after a difficult season following a record £55m transfer.
Bale, 31, has become a popular figure in Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham squadCredit: Reuters
Ndombele said: “I’ve got a good relationship with the coach.
“And the more difficult moments last season we’ve left behind us. We’re now both trying our hardest to help the team.
“I’m working a bit differently now. I find myself working harder in training and in the matches.
“But above all I think I’ve just settled in better.
Tanguy Ndombele’s recent performances have led to an improvement in his relationship with boss Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP or licensors
“It’s true that the last season was difficult for me — to change championships like that, it isn’t easy.”
The incredible double act of hotshot Harry Kane and Son Heung-min combined to score the winner at Burnley on Monday — the South Korean headed home the partnership’s 29th Prem goal.
We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
Tanguy Ndombele
Ndombele said: “That understanding comes naturally. And as long as it’s good for the team, then that’s great for us.”
Last month’s 6-1 battering of Manchester United was such an emphatic result that many have started quietly backing Tottenham for a Premier League title charge.
Of course, it is too early to say for sure — Spurs have a history of underachievement — but Ndombele has spelt out his lofty ambitions.
How Lingard and Bale have compared in the past two seasons
He said: “We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
“We seem to be on the right track and so everybody’s happy. Right now, things are going fine.”
TOTTENHAM (likely): Lloris, Doherty, Dier, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Moura, Kane, Son.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho admits Gareth Bale isn’t the star he once was but says neither are Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
